International Translation Day 2017

International translation day 2017 theme is "Let’s tell the world about what we do"

2016 theme is "Translation and Interpreting ;Connecting Worlds", 2015 theme is "The Changing Face of Translation and Interpreting" and 2014 theme is " Language Rights: Essential to All Human Rights"

Exercising one’s right to languages is one of the fundamental human rights recognized all over the world. Asylum-seekers, immigrants, refugees, tourists, international exchange students, people working on deputation in foreign countries, the list of people who need to use a foreign language goes on. Situations when these persons may need to communicate in a foreign language include medical emergencies, legal issues, matters relating to the law, dispute with an employer or local authority, asking for directions, and so on. Unfortunately the inability to communicate in the foreign language means the individual is deprived of the most basic needs, often in tiring situations.

Role and Activities of Translators in the Global Scenario

Interpreters and translators are essential in all such situations. We can easily communicate our needs and requirements with the help of interpreters and translators. September 30th is recognized as International Translation Day to honor the essential role played by these language personnel in promoting international ties in culture and commerce. 30th September also has the honor of being the feast day of the Bible Translator St Jerome. Although the feast of St Jerome has been celebrated since ancient times, International Translation Day is a recent entrant into the list of international holidays. Activities on this day include many dedicated events, symposiums and seminars.

Understanding the Origin of the Day

The origin of the day commemorating translators and interpreters can be traced back to 1953. Translators have helped make the world a smaller place through their activities. Geographical barriers have shrunk and the whole world has come closer together, thanks to the global community of translators. The annual celebrations pay tribute to this army of translators and interpreters. The importance of the day can be understood by seeing the variety of activities planned by the translation community all over the world. The celebrations are held under the guidance of the International Federation of Translators.

How to Celebrate the Day Across International Borders

The annual celebration offers an opportunity to appreciate the work of translators who have broken down language barriers and brought the world closer by breaking the language barriers, thus allowing literature to be enjoyed far more widely. The work of translators has gained prominence due to globalization of international markets and increasing opportunities for international travel. Activities emphasizing the importance of the day make the day a much looked forward to event by the global translator community.

Importance of the Day at an International Level

The importance of the day is increased by the fact that this day is an opportunity to understand the changing socio economic scenario of the world and reinterpret the role of translators in the changing circumstances. Translators take pride in their community and make plans on how to celebrate the day. They plan various activities that showcases their skills as well as helps them chart their career by a fair exchange of ideas across borders. Yet another interesting role played by translators is in translating books from one language to another. Since Literature is a reflection of the social fabric of the country this helps in a cultural exchange of ideas as well as a better understanding of foreign culture.

Translation Quotes

"Every language is a world. Without translation, we would inhabit parishes bordering on silence."
- George Steiner

"If the dream is a translation of waking life, waking life is also a translation of the dream."
- Rene Magritte

"The original is unfaithful to the translation."
- Jorge Luis Borges

"I've personally reached the point where the sound of MP3s are so uncompelling, because so much is lost in translation."
- Beck

"The US and the European Union needs to help in the translation of the demand for democracy into a political will."
- Recep Tayyip Erdogan

"The other thing that I started doing for myself was, I went through my diary of ideas that I keep and made sure that the translation of the comic to the movie was good."
- Guillermo del Toro

"For what is liberty but the unhampered translation of will into act?"
- Cyril Connolly

"Pound's translation of Chinese poetry was maybe the most important thing I read. Eliot a little bit later."
- Robert Morgan

"Translation is an interestingly different way to be involved both with poetry and with the language that I've found myself living in much of the time. I think the two feed each other."
- Marilyn Hacker